Motorcyclist injured on U.S. 98

Rescuers stabilize a motorcyclist Saturday afternoon after he collided with a car at the intersection of U.S. Highway 98 and Christobal Road in Mary Esther. Watch a video and see more photos at nwfdailynews.com.

NICK TOMECEK | Daily News

By LAUREN DELGADO / Daily News

Published: Saturday, October 5, 2013 at 07:00 PM.

MARY ESTHER — A motorcyclist was airlifted to a local hospital after he crashed into a passenger van on westbound U.S. Highway 98, according to Mary Esther firefighters.

As they waited at Christobal Road and U.S. 98 on their way to a different emergency call, firefighters watched the motorcyclist run into the rear of the van, Fire Department Capt. Troy Smith said.

The motorcyclist was wearing a helmet but suffered injuries to his head and face, Smith said.

The westbound lanes on U.S. 98 were shut down for about 45 minutes, Smith said. Eastbound lanes also were closed for a time to allow for a helicopter to land. An AirHeart helicopter touched down in a parking lot along U.S. 98 to take the man to a local hospital.

The motorcyclist was not immediately indentified.

A Fort Walton Beach fire crew went to the call where Mary Esther firefighters originally were responding.

As they waited at Christobal Road and U.S. 98 on their way to a different emergency call, firefighters watched the motorcyclist run into the rear of the van, Fire Department Capt. Troy Smith said.

The motorcyclist was wearing a helmet but suffered injuries to his head and face, Smith said.

The westbound lanes on U.S. 98 were shut down for about 45 minutes, Smith said. Eastbound lanes also were closed for a time to allow for a helicopter to land. An AirHeart helicopter touched down in a parking lot along U.S. 98 to take the man to a local hospital.

The motorcyclist was not immediately indentified.

A Fort Walton Beach fire crew went to the call where Mary Esther firefighters originally were responding.